Richard Bean, Portland, MaineMember Since May 2007Artist Statement I am an avid photographer with a favorite style and vision on landscapes. Although you shall notice, I have delved into capturing a variety of subjects.

I firmly believe that learning is one of my greatest assets. I am always hoping that I can apply the knowledge in my love of capturing a moment; the heart of photography is what the snap is of. Why that image? Why that light? Why that angle? Why that time of day? Why that film or medium format? Why Black and White? Why not color? Why?

Who doesn't love to capture a good snap for memory? Ever since I first used a camera, I have been thrilled by the experience of capturing images. In 2007, I decided to take my amateur knowledge of photography and build on it, with the hopes of becoming more creative. The ever growing world of digital has given me the opportunity. There are pros and cons to everything. Digital provides a simplicity to bring your photos home and be able to immediately view your captures. This allows photographers as myself, who avoided expanding into film, to have the control in processing. I make no attempt to compare the processing of film to the digital medium. Many of the techniques used in processing film are similar to the techniques I use to process my digital captures. Dodging and burning are two of the techniques that I use frequently. It is performed with software rather than chemicals.

If you have had the desire to raise the level of your creativity with your camera, allow yourself to commit to learning. Don't be afraid to listen to feedback on your work. Don't be afraid to change. Be fluid with your captures and compositions; and always be on the lookout for good light. Lastly and most importantly, learn from your gains and gain knowledge from your mistakes.

I have grown immensely since taking photography to a creative level. I look forward to continuing to nurture my creative knowledge in digital photography.